Outrigger targets Russian market

Outrigger Resorts has opened a new sales, marketing and PR representation office in Russia, as it bids to drive more visitors from the country.

Effective immediately, Moscow-based Travel Media is now responsible for promoting and selling Outrigger and building travel industry relations in Russia and several CIS countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

“The opening of the Russia office adds another key market in Outrigger Resorts’ move to become the premier beachfront resort brand in the world,” said Mark Simmons, Outrigger’s vice president of sales & marketing for Asia Pacific. “Over the last few years, an increasing number of Russian holidaymakers and families have enjoyed the unique Outrigger Resort experience. It’s a relationship that our new office in Moscow will nurture and grow.”

Outrigger is taking a “long-term, strategic view” of the Russian market, according to Mark Simmons

Simmons added that Outrigger is “aware of the issues” facing Russia’s economy, but that the company taking a “long-term, strategic view” of the market.

Established in 2005, Travel Media has a Moscow-based staff of 40 sales, marketing, PR and event personnel.

“Travel Media strongly believes that the variety of iconic beachfront resorts… that Outrigger offers will be a perfect fit for Russian sun seekers,” said Elena Vetrova, general director of Travel Media. “Based on our in-depth experience of the Russian market, that is the positive message we will be taking to the travel industry and travel consumers in Russia and the CIS market place.”

Outrigger has resorts in several destinations popular with Russian visitors, including Phuket, the Maldives and Mauritius. It is also planning the launch new resorts in Vietnam and Sanya.